Systems for selectively replenishing aquifers and generating electrical power based on electrical demand

ABSTRACT

In an example method, first electrical power is generated using one or more solar panels, and a water level rise of a sea is mitigated, at least in part, using a water processing system that is at least partially powered by the first electrical power. Mitigating the water level rise of the sea includes extracting saline water from the sea, desalinating the saline water, directing the desalinated water to one or more turbine generators, generating second electrical power using the one or more turbine generators, and directing the desalinated water from the one or more turbine generators into one or more aquifers. The one or more aquifers are hydraulically isolated from the sea.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part and claims priority to U.S.application Ser. No. 16/837,870, filed Apr. 1, 2020, the contents ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to systems for selectively replenishing aquifersusing a source of saline water and generating electrical power based onan electrical demand on an electrical grid.

BACKGROUND

Desalination is a process that removes minerals from saline water. As anexample, desalination can remove salt and other minerals from oceanwater, such that the water is more suitable for human consumption,agriculture, or other applications.

An aquifer is an underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock, rockfractures, and/or unconsolidated materials (e.g., gravel, sand, or silt)from which groundwater can be extracted. In some implementations, watercan be extracted from an aquifer using a water well that extends fromthe earth's surface to the aquifer.

SUMMARY

In an aspect, a method includes generating first electrical power usingone or more solar panels; and mitigating, at least in part, a waterlevel rise of a sea using a water processing system. The waterprocessing system is powered, at least in part, by the first electricalpower. Mitigating the water level rise of the sea includes extracting,by the water processing system, saline water from the sea; desalinatingthe saline water using one or more desalination facilities of the waterprocessing system; storing, by the water processing system, thedesalinated water in one or more reservoirs of the water processingsystem, where each of the one or more reservoirs is hydraulicallyisolated from the sea; monitoring by the water processing system, ausage of an electrical grid; determining, by the water processing systembased on the usage of the electrical grid, that one or more criteria aresatisfied at a first time; and responsive to determining that the one ormore criteria are satisfied at the first time, performing additionaloperations. The additional operations include: directing by the waterprocessing system, the desalinated water from the one or more reservoirsto one or more turbine generators of the water processing system, wherethe one or more turbine generators are located at a lower elevation thanthe one or more reservoirs; generating by the water processing system,second electrical power using the one or more turbine generators based,at least in part, on the desalinated water flowing through the one ormore turbine generators; directing by the water processing system, thedesalinated water from the one or more turbine generators into one ormore aquifers, where the one or more aquifers are located at a lowerelevation than the one or more turbine generators, and where the one ormore aquifers are hydraulically isolated from the sea; and providing bythe water processing system, at least a portion of the second electricalpower to the electrical grid.

Implementations of this aspect can include one or more of the followingfeatures.

In some implementations, the water processing system can include aplurality of desalination facilities, a plurality of reservoirs, and aplurality of turbine generators. At least one of the desalinationfacilities can be remote from at least another one of the desalinationfacilities. The water level rise of the sea can be mitigated using theplurality of desalination facilities, the plurality of reservoirs, andthe plurality of turbine generators.

In some implementations, mitigating the water level rise of the sea caninclude reducing the water level of the sea.

In some implementations, mitigating the water level rise of the sea caninclude reducing a rate of increase of the water level of the sea.

In some implementations, monitoring the usage of the electrical grid caninclude determining a demand for electrical power on the electrical gridover a period of time; and determining a supply of electrical power onthe electrical grid over the period of time. Determining that the one ormore criteria are satisfied at the first time can include determiningthat the demand for electrical power on the electrical grid exceeds thesupply of electrical power on the electrical grid at the first time.

In some implementations, monitoring the usage of the electrical grid caninclude determining a demand for electrical power on the electrical gridover a period of time, and determining a supply of electrical power onthe electrical grid over the period of time. Determining that the one ormore criteria are satisfied at the first time can include determiningthat a difference between the demand for electrical power on theelectrical grid and the supply of electrical power on the electricalgrid is less than a threshold level at the first time.

In some implementations, determining that the one or more criteria aresatisfied at the first time can include estimating, based on historicaldata regarding the usage of the electrical grid, that a peak demand onthe electrical grid occurs at the first time.

In some implementations, monitoring the usage of the electrical grid caninclude determining a demand for electrical power on the electrical gridover a period of time, and determining a supply of electrical power onthe electrical grid over the period of time. Determining that the one ormore criteria are satisfied at the first time can include determiningthat that the demand for electrical power on the electrical grid did notexceed the supply of electrical power on the electrical grid during atime interval ending at the first time, and determining that the timeinterval exceeds a threshold length of time.

In some implementations, monitoring the usage of the electrical grid caninclude determining a supply of electrical power on the electrical gridover the period of time from one or more solar power generators.Determining that the one or more criteria are satisfied at the firsttime can include determining that that the supply of electrical powerfrom the one or more solar power generators has decreased below athreshold level at the first time.

In some implementations, directing the desalinated water from the one ormore reservoirs, to the one or more turbine generators, and into the oneor more aquifers can include causing the desalinated water to flow fromthe one or more reservoirs, to the one or more turbine generators, andinto the one or more aquifers without an aid of a pump.

In some implementations, the one or more desalination facilities can bepredominantly powered by the first electrical power.

In some implementations, the one or more desalination facilities can belocated above the one or more turbine generators.

In some implementations, at least one of the one or more desalinationfacilities or the one or more reservoirs can be located on a surface ofthe earth.

In some implementations, the method can also include determining thatthe one or more aquifers are at least partially depleted. Thedesalinated water can be directed from the one or more reservoirs to theone or more turbine generators, after determining that the one or moreaquifers are at least partially depleted.

In another aspect, a system includes one or more solar panels configuredto generate first electrical power; a water processing system powered,at least in part, using the first electrical power. The water processingsystem includes one or more desalination facilities; one or morereservoirs, where each of the one or more reservoirs is hydraulicallyisolated from a sea; one or more turbine generators, where the one ormore turbine generators are located at a lower elevation than the one ormore reservoirs; and one or more control modules, where each of the oneor more control modules includes one or respective more processors. Theone or more control modules are operable to mitigate, at least in part,a water level rise of the sea using the water processing system.Mitigating the water level rise of the sea includes causing saline waterto be extracted from the sea by the one or more desalination facilities;causing the saline water to be desalinated using the one or moredesalination facilities; causing the desalinated water to be directed tothe one or more reservoirs; monitoring a usage of an electrical grid;determining, based on the usage of the electrical grid, that one or morecriteria are satisfied at a first time; and responsive to determiningthat the one or more criteria are satisfied at the first time,performing additional operations. The additional operations includecausing the desalinated water to flow from the one or more reservoirs tothe one or more turbine generators; causing second electrical power tobe generated using the one or more turbine generators based, at least inpart, on the desalinated water flowing through the one or more turbinegenerators; causing the desalinated water to flow from the one or moreturbine generators into one or more aquifers, where the one or moreaquifers are located at a lower elevation than the one or more turbinegenerators; causing at least a portion of the second electrical power tobe provided to the electrical grid.

Implementations of this aspect can include one or more of the followingfeatures.

In some implementations, the water processing system can include aplurality of desalination facilities, a plurality of reservoirs, and aplurality of turbine generators, where at least one of the desalinationfacilities is remote from at least another one of the desalinationfacilities. The one or more control modules can be configured tomitigate the water level rise of the sea using the plurality ofdesalination facilities, the plurality of reservoirs, and the pluralityof turbine generators.

In some implementations, mitigating the water level rise of the sea caninclude reducing the water level of the sea.

In some implementations, mitigating the water level rise of the sea caninclude reducing a rate of increase of the water level of the sea.

In some implementations, the one or more control modules can be operableto monitor the usage of the electrical grid by: determining a demand forelectrical power on the electrical grid over a period of time; anddetermining a supply of electrical power on the electrical grid over theperiod of time.

In some implementations, the one or more control modules can be operableto determine that the one or more criteria are satisfied at the firsttime by determining that the demand for electrical power on theelectrical grid exceeds the supply of electrical power on the electricalgrid at the first time.

In some implementations, the one or more control modules can be operableto determine that the one or more criteria are satisfied at the firsttime by determining that a difference between the demand for electricalpower on the electrical grid and the supply of electrical power on theelectrical grid is less than a threshold level at the first time.

In some implementations, the one or more control modules can be operableto determine that the one or more criteria are satisfied at the firsttime by estimating, based on historical data regarding the usage of theelectrical grid, that a peak demand on the electrical grid occurs at thefirst time.

In some implementations, the one or more control modules can be operableto determine that the one or more criteria are satisfied at the firsttime by: determining that that the demand for electrical power on theelectrical grid did not exceed the supply of electrical power on theelectrical grid during a time interval ending at the first time, anddetermining that the time interval exceeds a threshold length of time.

In some implementations, the one or more control modules can be operableto cause the desalinated water to flow from the one or more reservoirs,to the one or more turbine generators, and into the one or more aquifersby causing the desalinated water to flow from the one or morereservoirs, to the one or more turbine generators, and into the one ormore aquifers without an aid of a pump. The one or more control modulescan be operable to determine that the one or more aquifers are at leastpartially depleted, and cause the desalinated water to flow from the oneor more reservoirs to the one or more turbine generators, afterdetermining that the one or more aquifers are at least partiallydepleted.

In some implementations, the one or more desalination facilities can bepredominantly powered by the first electrical power.

In one aspect, the present disclosure describes a method that includesgenerating first electrical power using one or more solar panels;desalinating saline water using a desalination facility powered, atleast in part, by the first electrical power; storing the desalinatedwater in a reservoir located at a first elevation; monitoring a usage ofan electrical grid; determining, based on the usage of the electricalgrid, that one or more criteria are satisfied at a first time; andresponsive to determining that the one or more criteria are satisfied atthe first time, performing several actions. The actions includedirecting the desalinated water from the reservoir to a turbinegenerator located at a second elevation, where the second elevation islower than the first elevation; generating second electrical power usingthe turbine generator based, at least in part, on the desalinated waterflowing through the turbine generator; directing the desalinated waterfrom the turbine generator into an aquifer located at a third elevation,where the third elevation is lower than the second elevation; andproviding at least a portion of the second electrical power to theelectrical grid.

Implementations of this aspect can include one or more of the followingfeatures.

For example, in some implementations, monitoring the usage of theelectrical grid can include determining a demand for electrical power onthe electrical grid over a period of time, and determining a supply ofelectrical power on the electrical grid over the period of time.Determining that the one or more criteria are satisfied at the firsttime can include determining that the demand for electrical power on theelectrical grid exceeds the supply of electrical power on the electricalgrid at the first time.

In some implementations, monitoring the usage of the electrical grid caninclude determining a demand for electrical power on the electrical gridover a period of time, and determining a supply of electrical power onthe electrical grid over the period of time. Determining that the one ormore criteria are satisfied at the first time can include determiningthat a difference between the demand for electrical power on theelectrical grid and the supply of electrical power on the electricalgrid is less than a threshold level at the first time.

In some implementations, determining that the one or more criteria aresatisfied at the first time can include estimating, based on historicaldata regarding the usage of the electrical grid that a peak demand onthe electrical grid occurs at the first time.

In some implementations, monitoring the usage of the electrical grid caninclude determining a demand for electrical power on the electrical gridover a period of time, and determining a supply of electrical power onthe electrical grid over the period of time. Determining that the one ormore criteria are satisfied at the first time can include determiningthat that the demand for electrical power on the electrical grid did notexceed the supply of electrical power on the electrical grid during atime interval ending at the first time, and determining that the timeinterval exceeds a threshold length of time.

In some implementations, monitoring the usage of the electrical grid caninclude determining a supply of electrical power on the electrical gridover the period of time from one or more solar power generators.Determining that the one or more criteria are satisfied at the firsttime can include determining that that the supply of electrical powerfrom the one or more solar power generators has decreased below athreshold level at the first time.

In some implementations, directing the desalinated water from thereservoir, to the turbine generator, and into the aquifer can includecausing the desalinated water to flow from the reservoir, to the turbinegenerator, and into the aquifer without an aid of a pump.

In some implementations, the desalination facility can be predominantlypowered by the first electrical power.

In some implementations, the desalination facility can be located at thefirst elevation.

In some implementations, the first elevation can be a surface of theearth.

In some implementations, the method can further include determining thatthe aquifer is at least partially depleted. The desalinated water can bedirected from the reservoir to the turbine generator, after determiningthat the aquifer is at least partially depleted.

In another aspect, the present disclosure describes a system thatincludes one or more solar panels, a desalination facility, a reservoirlocated at a first elevation, a turbine generator located at a secondelevation, and a control module having one or more processors. Thesecond elevation is lower than the first elevation. The one or moresolar panels are configured to generate first electrical power andprovide the first electrical power to the desalination facility. Thecontrol module is operable to cause saline water to be desalinated usingthe first electrical power; cause the desalinated water to be directedto the reservoir; monitor a usage of an electrical grid; determine,based on the usage of the electrical grid, that one or more criteria aresatisfied at a first time; and responsive to determining that the one ormore criteria are satisfied at the first time, perform several actions.The actions include causing the desalinated water to flow from thereservoir to the turbine generator; causing second electrical power tobe generated using the turbine generator based, at least in part, on thedesalinated water flowing through the turbine generator; causing thedesalinated water to flow from the turbine generator into an aquifer ata third elevation, where the third elevation is lower than the secondelevation; and causing at least a portion of the second electrical powerto be provided to the electrical grid.

Implementations of this aspect can include one or more of the followingfeatures.

For example, in some implementations, the control module can be operableto monitor the usage of the electrical grid by determining a demand forelectrical power on the electrical grid over a period of time, anddetermining a supply of electrical power on the electrical grid over theperiod of time.

In some implementations, the control module can be operable to determinethat the one or more criteria are satisfied at the first time bydetermining that the demand for electrical power on the electrical gridexceeds the supply of electrical power on the electrical grid at thefirst time.

In some implementations, the control module can be operable to determinethat the one or more criteria are satisfied at the first time bydetermining that a difference between the demand for electrical power onthe electrical grid and the supply of electrical power on the electricalgrid is less than a threshold level at the first time.

In some implementations, the control module can be operable to determinethat the one or more criteria are satisfied at the first time byestimating, based on historical data regarding the usage of theelectrical grid, that a peak demand on the electrical grid occurs at thefirst time.

In some implementations, the control module can be operable to determinethat the one or more criteria are satisfied at the first time bydetermining that that the demand for electrical power on the electricalgrid did not exceed the supply of electrical power on the electricalgrid during a time interval ending at the first time, and determiningthat the time interval exceeds a threshold length of time.

In some implementations, the control module can be operable to cause thedesalinated water to flow from the reservoir, to the turbine generator,and into the aquifer by causing the desalinated water to flow from thereservoir, to the turbine generator, and into the aquifer without an aidof a pump. The control module can be operable to determine that theaquifer is at least partially depleted, and cause the desalinated waterto flow from the reservoir to the turbine generator, after determiningthat the aquifer is at least partially depleted.

In some implementations, the desalination facility can be predominantlypowered by the first electrical power.

In some implementations, the desalination facility can be located at thefirst elevation.

In some implementations, the first elevation can be a surface of theearth.

One or more of the implementations described herein can provide varioustechnical benefits. For example, implementations of a system can beoperable to desalinate saline water and replenish an aquifer using thedesalinated water. Further, the system can be operable to generateelectrical power during the replenishment process, and provide at leastsome of the generated power to an electrical grid (e.g., such that theelectrical power can be distributed to others via the electrical grid).Further, the system can generate electrical power selectively atspecific times to meet the electrical demand on the electrical grid(e.g., during times of peak demand and/or a lag in supply). Further, thesystem can at least partially mitigate the effects of sea level rise(e.g., due to climate change) by extracting water from the sea,desalinating the extracted water, and depositing the desalinated waterinto one or more aquifers that are hydraulically isolated from the sea.In some implementations, the system can be powered predominantly orentirely by solar power generated by the system itself (e.g., such thatthe system is substantially self-sustaining with respect to electricalpower).

The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanyingdrawings and the description below. Other aspects, features andadvantages will be apparent from the detailed description andaccompanying drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams of an example of a water processing system.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an example arrangement of a water processingsystem.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of another example of a water processing system.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of another example of a water processing system.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of another example of a water processing system.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of another example of a water processing system.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of another example of a water processing system.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of an example arrangement of a water processingsystem.

FIG. 9A is a flow chart diagram of an example process for generatingelectrical power.

FIG. 9B is a flow chart diagram of an example process for mitigating awater level rise of the sea.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of an example of a computer system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure describes implementations of a water processing system.Some implementations of the electrical power generation system areoperable to remove or otherwise reduce the presence of salt and otherminerals from water. In some implementations, water processed by thewater processing system is more suitable for use in a variety ofapplications (e.g., potable water for human consumption, irrigationwater in support of agriculture, etc.).

In some implementations, a water processing system can be configured toreplenish aquifers. As an example, a naturally occurring aquifer mayprovide potable water to a neighboring population. However, as theamount of groundwater contained within the aquifer is limited,extraction of groundwater depletes the aquifer over time. To replenishthe aquifer, implementations of the water processing system candesalinate water from a naturally occurring source of saline water(e.g., a neighboring ocean or salt water bay), and direct thedesalinated water into the aquifer. This can be useful, for example, asit improves the sustainability of the aquifer and/or extends the usablelife of the aquifer. Further, this enables desalinated water to bestored in a natural underground formation, thereby reducing oreliminating the need to construct man-made water storage structures(e.g., water tanks or reservoirs). Further, as desalinated water isstored underground instead of on the surface, the surface footprint ofthe water processing system is reduced, thereby enabling the developmentand utilization of land for other purposes. Further still, desalinatedwater that is stored underground is less likely to be lost throughevaporation, thereby improving the efficiency of the overall system.

In some implementations, the water processing system can generateelectrical power by converting potential and/or kinetic energyassociated with the desalinated water into electrical power. As anexample, desalinated water can be directed to the aquifer through aconduit (e.g., a pipe, tube, or wellbore) extending from a desalinationfacility on or near the earth's surface to an underground aquifer. Asthe desalinated water flows downward under the influence of gravity, thewater can be directed through one or more turbine generators located inthe path of water flow. Energy from the flowing water can be convertedinto electrical power (e.g., through the rotation of a turbine or rotorassembly by the flowing water), and the electrical power can be relayedto the surface for distribution and/or use. In some implementations,some or all of the electrical power can be used to operate the waterprocessing system. In some implementations, some or all of theelectrical power can be stored for future use and/or relayed to remoteentities for use elsewhere.

In some implementations, the water processing system can be poweredpartially or entirely by the electrical power generated on-site by thewater processing system. This can be useful, for example, as it enablesthe water processing system to reduce and/or eliminate its consumptionof electrical power from outside sources. In some implementations, thewater processing system can be substantially self-sustaining withrespect to electrical power. In some implementations, the waterprocessing system can be powered partially or entirely by electricalpower obtained from alternative power sources, such as solar poweredelectric generators, wind powered electric generators, or hydroelectricgenerators. This can be useful, for example, as it enables the waterprocessing system to operate in a more environmentally conscious manner.In some implementations, the water processing system can be powered by acombination of the electrical power generated on-site and electricalpower obtained from alternative power sources.

In some implementations, a water processing system selectively cangenerate electrical power at specific times to meet the electricaldemand on the electrical grid. For example, the water processing systemcan generate electrical power selectively during times of peak demand,while not generating power selectively during times of low demand.

In some implementations, the water processing system can at leastpartially mitigate the effects of sea level rise (e.g., due to climatechange). For example, the water processing system can extract water fromthe sea, desalinate the extracted water, and deposit the desalinatedwater into one or more aquifers that are hydraulically isolated from thesea. In some implementations, the water processing system can includemultiple separate sub-systems or facilities that are remote from oneanother, and the sub-systems or facilities can operate concurrently tomitigate the effects of sea level rise. In some implementations, thewater processing system can reduce the water level of the sea. In someimplementations, the water processing system can reduce a rate ofincrease of the water level of the sea.

An example water processing system 100 is shown schematically in FIG.1A. The water processing system 100 includes a desalination facility 102and an aquifer 104. The desalination facility 102 and the aquifer 104are in fluid communication with one another via a conduit 106 extendingbetween them. The system 100 also includes a turbine generator 108located in the fluid conduit 106.

As shown in FIG. 1A, during operation of the water processing system100, the desalination facility 102 draws saline water from a source ofsaline water 110 (e.g., via a conduit 112 extending between them). Thedesalination facility 102 desalinates the saline water (e.g., byremoving or otherwise reducing a salt content and/or other mineralcontent of the saline water), and directs the desalinated water into theaquifer 104 through the conduit 106. As the desalinated water flowsthrough the conduit 106, potential and/or kinetic energy from theflowing desalinated water is converted into electrical power by theturbine generator 108.

The electrical power can be utilized in various ways. In someimplementations, at least a portion of the electrical power can berelayed to the desalination facility 102, and used to power thedesalination facility 102. In some implementations, at least a portionof the electrical power can be relayed to a power storage facility 114,and stored for later use (e.g., by the desalination facility 102 orother facilities near the desalination facility 102). In someimplementations, at least a portion of the electrical power can berelayed to a power distribution facility 116, which in turn relays theelectrical power to one or more remote locations. In this manner, powergenerated by the water processing system 100 can be used to power thewater processing system 100 itself, power one or more facilities nearbythe water processing system 100, and/or power one or more facilitiesremote from the water processing system 100.

In some implementations, the water processing system 100 can be poweredpartially or entirely by the electrical power generated by the turbinegenerator 108. This can be useful, for example, as it enables the waterprocessing system 100 to eliminate or reduce its consumption ofelectrical power from outside sources. In some implementations, thewater processing system 100 can be powered partially or entirely byelectrical power generated by a secondary power source 118.

The desalination facility 102 includes one or more devices or systems todesalinate water. In some implementations, the desalination facility 102can remove salt and other minerals from saline water through vacuumdistillation (e.g., a process by which saline water is boiled toseparate impurities from the water) and/or membrane desalination (e.g.,a process by which membranes and pressure are used to separateimpurities from water).

The aquifer 104 is an underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock,rock fractures, and/or unconsolidated materials (e.g., gravel, sand, orsilt) from which groundwater can be extracted. In some implementations,the aquifer 104 can be a naturally occurring formation (e.g., anaturally occurring formation below the surface of the earth, with waternaturally deposited in the formation).

In some implementations, desalinated water from the desalinationfacility 102 can be used to replenish the aquifer 104. For example, ifthe water content of the aquifer 104 has been depleted (e.g., due toextraction of water over a period of time), desalinated water from thedesalination facility 102 can be directed into the aquifer 104 andstored there, thereby increasing the water content of the aquifer 104and/or slowing the rate of depletion of the aquifer 104. Water stored inthis manner subsequently can be extracted for use, as if it werenaturally deposited in the aquifer 104. Thus, the water processingsystem 100 enables the replenishment of a naturally occurring aquifer,such that the usable life of the aquifer is extended.

The turbine generator 108 converts potential and/or kinetic energy intoelectrical power. As the desalinated water flows through the conduit 106(e.g., from a higher elevation to a lower elevation), the turbinegenerator 108 converts at least a portion of the potential and/orkinetic energy from the flowing desalinated water into electrical power.In some implementations, the turbine generator 108 can include one ormore turbine or rotor assemblies 120 located in the path of thedesalinated water flowing through the conduit 106. As the flowing waterpasses through the turbine generator 108, the flowing water rotates theturbine or rotor assemblies 120. This mechanical motion can be used toactuate one or more components 122 of a dynamo (e.g., a commutator)and/or an alternator (e.g., a magnet or an armature) to produceelectrical current.

In some implementations, the turbine generator 108 can include one ormore pumps to pump water towards the aquifer 104 and/or away from theaquifer 104 (e.g., towards the desalination facility 102). As anexample, in some implementations, the turbine generator 108 can be apump-turbine or a pump-as-turbine. This can be beneficial, for example,as a pre-existing installation already may have one or more pumpslocated in conduits extending from the surface of the earth to theaquifer 104. Thus, the turbine generator 108 can be implemented usingsome or all of those same pumps and conduits, thereby reducing the costof implementing the water processing system 100. Further, as describedwith respect to FIG. 1B, a pump-turbine or pump-as-turbine can extractwater from the aquifer for use at the earth's surface.

As described herein, electrical power generated by the turbine generator108 can be utilized in various ways. In some implementations, at least aportion of the generated electrical power can be relayed to thedesalination facility 102, and used to power the desalination facility102. For example, the turbine generator 108 can be in electricalcommunication with the desalination facility 102 via an electricalconductor (e.g., one or more wires), such that electrical powergenerated by the turbine generated 108 can be relayed directed to thedesalination facility 102 for use.

In some implementations, at least a portion of the generated electricalpower can be relayed to a power storage facility 114, and stored forlater use (e.g., by the desalination facility 102 or other facilities).The power storage facility 114 can include, for example, one or moremechanical power storage devices (e.g., compressed air power storagesdevices, hydraulic accumulators, etc.), electrical power storage devices(e.g., capacitors), biological power storage devices (e.g., glycogenstorage devices), electrochemical power storage devices (e.g., batteriesor super capacitors), thermal power storage devices (e.g., molten saltpower storage devices or steam accumulators), and/or chemical powerstorage devices (e.g., hydrogen power storage devices or gas powerstorage devices) to store electrical power.

In some implementations, at least a portion of the generated electricalpower can be relayed to a power distribution facility 116, which in turnrelays the electrical power to one or more remote locations. The powerdistribution facility 116 can include, for example, one or moreelectrical transformers to convert electrical power to a suitablecurrent and voltage for transmission, and/or one or more electricaltransmission lines to relay the electrical power to a remote entity. Insome implementations, the power distribution facility 116 can beinterconnected with a general power grid (e.g., a municipal or regionalpower grid) to supply electrical power to one or more consumers (e.g.,households, businesses, etc.) across a particular area.

The secondary power source 118 provides electrical power to thedesalination facility 102 to support the operation of the desalinationfacility 102. In some implementations, the secondary power source 118can provide electrical power generated using one or more alternativesources of power. For example, the secondary power source 118 caninclude one or more solar powered electric generators, wind poweredelectric generators, hydroelectric generators, and/or steam generators.This can be useful, for example, as it enables the water processingsystem 100 to operate in a more environmentally conscious manner. Insome case, the secondary power source 118 can generate electrical powerusing other sources of power, such as gasoline, oil, coal, nuclearfission, and so forth. In some implementations, electrical power fromthe secondary power source 118 can be used to supplement the electricalpower generated by the generators 108 to support the operation of thedesalination facility 102. In some implementations, the water processingsystem 100 can be powered predominantly or entirely by solar powerand/or other electrical power generated by the water processing systemitself (e.g., such that the water processing system 100 is substantiallyself-sustaining with respect to electrical power).

In some implementations, the desalination facility 102 can draw salinewater from a naturally occurring source of saline water 110. As anexample, the desalination facility 102 can draw saline water from aneighboring body of water such as an ocean or a bay (e.g., a naturallyoccurring source of saline water). In some implementations, thedesalination facility 102 can draw saline water from an artificialsource of saline water 110 (e.g., a manufactured tank or reservoir).

The conduits 106 and 112 are configured to convey fluid from onelocation to another. In some implementations, the conduits 106 and/or112 can include one or more pipes, tubes, and/or channels for carryingfluid. As an example, the conduit 106 can include one or more pipesencasing one or more wellbores extending from the desalination facility102 and to the aquifer 104. As another example, the conduit 112 caninclude one or more pipes or tubes extending from the desalinationfacility 102 to the source of saline water 110.

In the example shown in FIG. 1A, the desalination facility 102 drawssaline water from the source of saline water 110, and directsdesalinated water to the aquifer 104. However, in some implementations,the flow of fluid can be reversed across one or more portions of thewater processing system 100.

For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, the desalination facility 102 can drawwater from the aquifer 104. This can be useful, for example, inextracting water from the aquifer 104 for use (e.g., for humanconsumption, agriculture, or other applications). In someimplementations, water can be drawn from the aquifer 104 through one ormore pumps located in the conduit 106. In some implementations, theturbine generator 108 can include one or more pumps (e.g., apump-turbine generator, or a pump-as-turbine) to pump water towards thedesalination facility 102 (e.g., for use as potable water for humanconsumption, irrigation water in support of agriculture, or otherpurposes).

As another example, as shown in FIG. 1B, the desalination facility 102can expel water back into the source of saline water 110. This can beuseful, for example, in expelling waste water from the desalinationprocess (e.g., water containing salt and/or other minerals extractedfrom the desalinated water).

Although FIG. 1B shows water flowing across the same conduits 106 and112 shown in FIG. 1A, this need not be the case. In someimplementations, the system 100 can include one or more additionalconduits 106 and/or 112, and each conduit can be configured to transferwater in either direction selectively, or transfer water only in asingle dedicated direction.

In some implementations, the components of the water processing system100 can be disposed at different elevations relative to one another tofacilitate generation of electrical power. For instance, FIG. 2 shows anexample arrangement of the water processing system 100. In this example,the desalination facility 102 is located on or near the earth's surface202, and the aquifer 104 is located beneath the earth's surface 202 at asubterranean elevation 204. As the desalination facility 102 is at ahigher elevation than the aquifer 104, desalinated water from thedesalination facility 102 can flow to the aquifer 104 substantiallyunder the influence of gravity. For example, once desalinated water hasbeen directed to the conduit 106, the water can flow down the conduit106 and through the turbine generator 108 under the influence of gravityand without the aid of pumps. This can be useful, for example, as itreduces the amount of power required to transfer desalinated water fromthe desalination facility 102 to the aquifer 104. Further, as waterflows through the turbine generator 108 without the aid of pumps, theturbine generator 108 can produce electrical power more efficiently.

In some implementations, the turbine generator 108 can be disposed on ornear the bottom end 206 of the conduit 106. This can be useful, forexample, as it enables the desalinated water to acquire a relativelylarge amount of kinetic energy (e.g., due to its descent down theconduit 106), which may increase the amount of electrical power that canbe generated by the turbine generator 108.

Further, water can be extracted from the aquifer 104 by pumping waterfrom the aquifer 104 to a higher elevation (e.g., from the subterraneanelevation 204 to the earth's surface 202). As described herein, this canbe performed by the turbine generator 108 (e.g., a pump-turbinegenerator) and/or separate pumps located along the conduit 106 and/orone or more other conduits extending from the aquifer 104 to the earth'ssurface 202.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the source of saline water 110 islocated on the earth's surface 202 (e.g., a body of water exposed alongthe earth's surface, such as an ocean or bay), and water is extractedfrom the source of saline water 110 by an underground conduit 112. Insome implementations, however, the source of saline water 110 can be anunderground body of water (e.g., an underground reservoir of salinewater beneath the earth's surface). Further, in some implementations,part of or the entirety of the conduit 112 can above the earth's surface202 (e.g., a pipe or tube extending along the earth's surface).

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 2, each of the power storagefacility 114, and power distribution facility 116, and the secondarypower source 118 is located on the earth's surface 202. However, inpractice, one or more of these components can be located at differentlocations (e.g., beneath the earth's surface 202).

Although configurations of the water processing system 100 are shown inFIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, these are merely illustrative examples. Inpractice, the water processing system 100 can have differentarrangements of components, depending on the implementation. Further, inpractice, the water processing system 100 can include more than one ofsome or all of the described components. In some cases, one or more ofthe described components may be omitted.

For example, although a single conduit 106 and a single conduit 112 areshown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, in practice, there can be any number ofconduits extending between each of the components of the system 100.Further, although the conduits 106 and 112 are shown as channels havinga single entrance aperture and a single exit aperture (e.g., a singlechanneled tube or pipe), other configurations are also possible.

As another example, although a single turbine generator 108 is shown inFIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, in practice, there may be any number of turbinegenerators 108 to generate electrical power from flowing desalinatedwater.

For instance, FIG. 3 shows another example water processing system 100.In general, each of the components shown in FIG. 3 can operate in asimilar manner as those shown in FIG. 1. As an example, the desalinationfacility 102 can draw water from a source of saline water 110, anddirect desalinated water into the aquifer 104, thereby replenishing theaquifer 104. Further, the system 100 can generate electrical power fromthe flowing desalinated water, and either use the generated electricalpower to power the water processing system 100 itself, power one or morefacilities nearby the water processing system 100, and/or power one ormore facilities remote from the water processing system 100.

However, in this example, the conduit 106 extends through multipleturbine generators 108 a-108 c (e.g., through a branching,multi-channeled configuration). This enables the use of multiple turbinegenerators 108 a-108 c simultaneously. This can be beneficial, forexample, as it spreads the flow of desalinated water across multipleturbine generators 108 a-108 c, such that the mechanical load acrosseach of the turbine generators 108 a-108 c is reduced. Further, thisenables the water processing system 100 to generate electrical powermore reliably (e.g., the water processing system 100 can still generateelectrical power, even if some of the turbine generators 108 a-108 c aredamaged or disabled). In some implementations, water can be directedselectively to particular turbine generators 108 a-108 c (e.g., throughthe use to valves located along the conduit 106). This can be useful,for example, as it enables one or more of the turbine generators 108a-108 c to be serviced without interrupting the flow of desalinatedwater into the aquifer 104 and without interrupting the generation ofelectrical power.

Another example water processing system 100 is shown in FIG. 4. Ingeneral, each of the components shown in FIG. 4 can operate in a similarmanner as those shown in FIG. 1. As an example, the desalinationfacility 102 can draw water from a source of saline water 110, anddirect desalinated water into the aquifer 104, thereby replenishing theaquifer 104. Further, the system 100 can generate electrical power fromthe flowing desalinated water, and either use the generated electricalpower to power the water processing system 100 itself, power one or morefacilities nearby the water processing system 100, and/or power one ormore facilities remote from the water processing system 100.

However, in this example, the water processing system 100 includesmultiple conduits 106 a-106 c that extend through multiple turbinegenerators 108 a-108 c. This enables the use of multiple turbinegenerators 108 a-108 c simultaneously. As with the configuration shownin FIG. 3, this can be beneficial as it spreads the flow of desalinatedwater across multiple turbine generators 108 a-108 c, such that themechanical load across each of the turbine generators 108 a-108 c isreduced. Further, this feature can enable the water processing system100 to generate electrical power more reliably (e.g., the waterprocessing system 100 can still generate electrical power, even if someof the turbine generators 108 a-108 c are damaged or disabled). In someimplementations, water can be directed selectively to particular turbinegenerators 108 a-108 c (e.g., by selectively directing water intoparticular conduits 106 a-106 c). This can be useful, for example, as itenables one or more of the turbine generators 108 a-108 c to be servicedwithout interrupting the flow of desalinated water into the aquifer 104and without interrupting the generation of electrical power.

In some implementations, the system 100 can be used to replenishmultiple aquifers. For instance, FIG. 5 shows another example waterprocessing system 100. In general, each of the components shown in FIG.5 can operate in a similar manner as those shown in FIG. 1. As anexample, the desalination facility 102 can draw water from a source ofsaline water 110, and direct desalinated water into an aquifer, therebyreplenishing the aquifer. Further, the system 100 can generateelectrical power from the flowing desalinated water, and either use thegenerated electrical power to power the water processing system 100itself, power one or more facilities nearby the water processing system100, and/or power one or more facilities remote from the waterprocessing system 100.

However, in this example, the water processing system 100 selectivelycan replenish multiple aquifers 104 a and 104 b, either simultaneouslyor sequentially (e.g., one at a time). As shown in FIG. 5, the waterprocessing system 100 can include conduits 106 a and 106 b that eachextend through one or more turbine generators 108 a-108 c. This enablesthe use of multiple turbine generators 108 a-108 c simultaneously. Aswith the configuration shown in FIG. 3, this can be beneficial as itspreads the flow of desalinated water across multiple turbine generators108 a-108 c, such that the mechanical load across each of the turbinegenerators 108 a-108 c is reduced. Further, this feature can enable thewater processing system 100 to generate electrical power more reliably(e.g., the water processing system 100 can still generate electricalpower, even if some of the turbine generators 108 a-108 c are damaged ordisabled).

In some implementations, water can be directed selectively to particularturbine generators 108 a-108 c (e.g., through the use to valves locatedalong the conduit 106 a and 106 b and/or by selectively directing waterinto particular conduits 106 a and 106 b). This can be useful, forexample, as it enables one or more of the turbine generators 108 a-108 cto be serviced without interrupting the flow of desalinated water intoaquifers 104 a and/or 104 b and without interrupting the generation ofelectrical power.

Further, the foregoing feature can enable the water processing system100 to replenish an aquifer and/or extract water stored in an aquiferindependently for each aquifer. For example, the water processing system100 can replenish both aquifers 104 a and 104 b concurrently (e.g., whenboth aquifers are depleted). As another example, the water processingsystem 100 can replenish the aquifer 104 a while extracting water fromthe aquifer 104 b (e.g., when only the aquifer 104 a is depleted). Asanother example, the water processing system 100 can extract water fromboth aquifers 104 a and 104 b concurrently (e.g., when neither aquiferis depleted). In this manner, the water processing system 100 can managethe water content of multiple aquifers concurrently and in a flexiblemanner.

As described above, in some implementations, a water processing system100 can generate electrical power selectively at specific times to meetthe electrical demand on the electrical grid. For example, the waterprocessing system can generate electrical power selectively during timesof high or peak demand, while not generating power during times of lowdemand. As another example, the water processing system can generateelectrical power selectively during times of low supply (e.g., when thesupply of power is unable to meet the demand, or is at least of beingunable to meet the demand). This can be useful, for example, as itenables the electrical grid to provide electrical power reliably to eachof its users, despite fluctuations in demand over time. This also can beuseful, for example, as it enables electrical power to be generated anddelivered more efficiently (e.g., by reducing the storage of excesselectrical power during times of low demand, which may be electricallyinefficient due to power losses during the storage process).

In some implementations, a water processing system 100 can generateelectrical power selectively to mitigate the effects of a temporaldisplacement between supply and demand due to an electrical grid'sreliance on solar power. For example, an electrical grid's supply ofsolar power typically peaks during times of intense sunlight (e.g.,during the afternoon). However, demand of electrical power often peaksduring a different time of day when the supply of solar power hasdiminished (e.g., during the early evening). The water processing system100 can generate electrical power selectively (e.g., when the supply ofsolar power is diminished) to supplement the electrical grid's supply.

An example water processing system 100 for selectively generatingelectrical power is shown schematically in FIG. 6. In general, the waterprocessing system 100 can be similar to the water processing systemshown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and/or 5. For example, the water processingsystem 100 shown in FIG. 6 includes a desalination facility 102, anaquifer 104, a turbine generator 108, a power storage facility 114, anenergy distribution facility 116, and a secondary power source 118, eachof which can be similar to those described with respect to FIGS. 1, 2,3, 4, and/or 5.

In a similar manner as described with respect to FIG. 1, duringoperation of the water processing system 100, the desalination facility102 draws saline water from a source of saline water 110 (e.g., via aconduit 112 extending between them). The desalination facility 102desalinates the saline water (e.g., by removing or otherwise reducing asalt content and/or other mineral content of the saline water).

However, in this example, the desalination facility 102 directs thedesalinated water to a reservoir 602 (e.g., via a conduit 608). Thereservoir 602 temporarily stores the desalinated water, prior to thedesalinated water being used to replenish the aquifer 104. In someimplementations, the reservoir 602 can be artificial vessel (e.g., amanufactured tank). In some implementations, the reservoir 602 can be anartificially created reservoir (e.g., an artificially created lake orpond, such as through a dam). In some implementations, the reservoir 602can be a naturally occurring reservoir (e.g., a naturally occurring lakeor pond).

During operation, the desalination facility monitors the usage of anelectrical grid 604 coupled to the power distribution facility 116. Insome implementations, electrical grid 604 can be a general power grid(e.g., a municipal or regional power grid) to supply electrical power toone or more consumers (e.g., households, businesses, etc.) across aparticular area.

Further, the desalination facility 102 can determine, based on the usageof the electrical grid 604, that one or more trigger criteria have beenmet (e.g., indicating that power is to be generated using thedesalinated water in the reservoir 602). In response, the desalinationfacility 102 causes the desalinated water to flow from the reservoir602, through the turbine generator 108, and into the aquifer 104 (e.g.,through a conduit 106 extending between them). In some implementations,this can be performed, at least in part, by releasing water through avalve 606 in fluid communication between the reservoir 602 and theconduit 106, and allowing the water to flow through the turbinegenerator 108 and into the aquifer 104 predominantly or entirely underan influence of gravity.

A described herein, the turbine generator 108 converts potential and/orkinetic energy into electrical power. As the desalinated water flowsthrough the conduit 106 (e.g., from a higher elevation to a lowerelevation), the turbine generator 108 converts at least a portion of thepotential and/or kinetic energy from the flowing desalinated water intoelectrical power. In some implementations, the turbine generator 108 caninclude one or more turbine or rotor assemblies 120 located in the pathof the desalinated water flowing through the conduit 106. As the flowingwater passes through the turbine generator 108, the flowing waterrotates the turbine or rotor assemblies 120. This mechanical motion canbe used to actuate one or more components 122 of a dynamo (e.g., acommutator) and/or an alternator (e.g., a magnet or an armature) toproduce electrical current.

At least a portion of the electrical power generated by the turbinegenerator 108 is provided to the power distribution facility 116.Further, at least a portion of that electrical power can be provided tothe electrical grid 604 for use. In some implementations, all orsubstantially all of the electrical power generated by the turbinegenerator 108 can be provided to the power distribution facility 116and/or the electrical grid 604. In some implementations, some of theelectrical power generated by the turbine generator 108 can be used bythe water processing system 100 to support its operation (e.g., to powerthe desalination facility 102). In some implementations, some of theelectrical power generated by the turbine generator 108 can be stored inthe power storage facility 114 (e.g., to support future operation ofwater processing system 100 and/or for future distribution to theelectrical grid 604).

In practice, various trigger criteria can be used to determine when thewater processing system 100 is to generate electrical power. As anexample, in some implementations, the desalination facility 102 candetermine a demand for electrical power on the electrical grid 604 overa period of time (e.g., during a particular measurement interval), anddetermine a supply of electrical power on the electrical grid 604 overthe period of time (e.g., an amount of electrical power available tomeet the demand). If the demand for electrical power exceeds the supplyof electrical power, the water processing system 100 can direct waterfrom the reservoir 602, through the turbine generator 108, and into theaquifer 104 to generate electrical power and to replenish the aquifer104. The generated electrical power can be provided to the electricalgrid 604 to meet the demand.

As another example, in some implementations, the desalination facility102 can determine that the difference between the demand for electricalpower on the electrical grid 604 and the supply for electrical power onthe electrical grid 604 is less than a threshold level. In response, thewater processing system 100 can direct water from the reservoir 602,through the turbine generator 108, and into the aquifer 104 to generateelectrical power and to replenish the aquifer 104. The generatedelectrical power can be provided to the electrical grid 604 fordistribution. This can be useful, for example, as it enables the waterprocessing system 100 to provide extra electrical power to theelectrical grid 604 when demand is nearing the supply level (e.g., toreduce the risk of demand exceeding supply due to a subsequent spike indemand and/or a reduction in supply).

For instance, the threshold level can be 10 units of power. When thedemand for electrical power is 100 units and the supply for electricalpower is 120 units, the water processing system 100 can refrain fromdirecting water from the reservoir 602, through the turbine generator108, and into the aquifer 104 (e.g., by closing the valve 606). However,when the demand for electrical power is 115 units and the supply forelectrical power is 120 units, the water processing system 100 candirect water from the reservoir 602, through the turbine generator 108,and into the aquifer 104 to generate electrical power (e.g., by openingthe valve 606) and to replenish the aquifer 104.

In some implementations, the threshold level can be selected empirically(e.g., selected by an operator of the water processing system 100 basedon experiment or tests). In some implementations, the threshold levelcan be an absolute value (e.g., expressed in absolute units of power).In some implementations, the threshold level can be a relative value(e.g., expressly as a particular percentage of the demand of electricalpower or the supply of electrical power).

As another example, in some implementations, the desalination facility102 can estimate a future demand for electrical power and/or a futuresupply of electrical power on the electrical grid 604 (e.g., based onhistorical information regarding usage of the electrical grid 604).Based on this information, the water processing system 100 can generateelectrical power selectively at certain times, while refraining fromgenerating electrical power selectively at other times. This can bebeneficial, for example, as it enables the water processing system 100to provide power preemptively to the electrical grid 604 (e.g., inanticipation of the demand out-stripping the supply of the electricalgrid 604, or an anticipation of the demand approaching the availablesupply of the electrical grid 604).

For instance, the desalination facility 102 can determine, based onhistorical usage information regarding the electrical grid 604, thatdemand for electrical power typically exceeds supply electrical powerduring certain times of the day and/or that the demand of electricalpower peaks during those times of day. Based on this information, thewater processing system 100 can generate electrical power selectively ator prior to those times of day, such that the electrical grid 604 canmeet the anticipated demand.

As another example, in some implementations, the desalination facility102 can monitor a supply of electrical power to the electrical grid 604from one or more solar power generators (e.g., solar panels). If thesupply of electrical power from the one or more solar power generatorsdecreases below a threshold level, in response, the water processingsystem 100 can direct water from the reservoir 602, through the turbinegenerator 108, and into the aquifer 104 to generate electrical power andto replenish the aquifer 104. The generated electrical power can beprovided to the electrical grid 604 for distribution. This can beuseful, for example, in mitigating the effects of a temporaldisplacement between supply and demand due to the electrical grid'sreliance on solar power. In some implementations, the threshold levelcan be determined empirically (e.g., selected by an operator of thewater processing system 100 based on experiment or tests).

In some implementations, the water processing system 100 can storedesalinated water temporarily in the reservoir 602. If the desalinationfacility 102 determines that electrical power need not be generatedduring a certain period of time (e.g., an expiration interval of timeelapses without any of the trigger criteria being met), the desalinationfacility 102 can direct the desalinated water from the reservoir 602 tothe aquifer 104 (e.g., through the turbine generator 108, or bypassingthe turbine generator 108). This can be useful, for example, as itenables the water processing system 100 to refrain from generatingelectrical power temporality (e.g., in case the electrical 604 couldbenefit from additional electrical power), but to continue replenishingthe aquifer 104 if there is no need for additional electrical power overa certain period of time. In some implementations, the interval of timecan be selected empirically (e.g., selected by an operator of the waterprocessing system 100 based on experiment or tests).

In some implementations, the desalination facility 102 can be poweredpartially or entirely by solar power. For example, the secondary powersource 118 can include one or more solar panels configured to generatesolar power. The generated solar power can be provided to thedesalination facility 102 to support its operation.

In some implementations, at least a portion of the techniques describedherein can be performed using one or more computer systems. As anexample, the desalination facility 102 can include a control module 610implemented using one or more computer systems. The control module 610can monitor the usage of the electrical grid 604. Based on themonitoring, the control module 610 can control an operation of one ormore of the components described herein (e.g., by transmitting one ormore command signals to the one or more components to perform thetechniques described herein). In some implementations, one or more ofthe techniques described herein can be performed automatically (e.g.,without human intervention). Although FIG. 6 shows the control module610 as sub-component of the desalination facility 102, in practice, thecontrol module 610 can be implemented as a sub-component of any of theother components of the water processing system 100. Further, in someimplementations, the control module 610 can be implemented as anindividual component of the water processing system 100. Further still,although FIG. 6 shows the control module 610 as single component, inpractice, the control module 610 can be implemented as multiplecomponents.

In some implementations, the source of saline water 110 can be a sea(e.g., an expanse of salt water, such as one or more oceans, salt waterlakes, etc.). Due to localized and/or global increases in thetemperature (e.g., climate change, global warning, etc.), the waterlevel of the sea may rise over time. For instance, solid water (e.g., inthe form of ice) may melt due to an increase in temperature, and waterfrom the melted ice may flow into the sea. If the amount of water thatis deposited into the sea exceeds the amount of water that is removedfrom the sea, the water level of the sea may rise.

In some implementations, a rising sea level can be detrimental to humansand/or the environment. For example, a rising sea level may cause landthat was previously above ground to become submerged, which may resultin damage to property, humans, and/or the ecological environment.Further, a rising sea level may itself cause localized and/or globalchanges in the climate, further precipitating changes in the sea level.

In some implementations, the water processing system 100 can be used toat least partially mitigate the effects of sea level rise. For example,the water processing system 100 can be used to extract saline water fromthe sea, desalinate the extracted saline water, and deposit thedesalinated water into one or more aquifers (e.g., using one or more ofthe systems and/or techniques described herein). Further, the aquiferand/or the reservoir (that temporarily holds desalination water prior todeposition in the aquifer) can be hydraulically isolated from the sea,such that the water cannot return to the sea passively (e.g., under itsown power, such as substantially or entirely under the influence ofgravity or diffusion).

As an example, referring to FIG. 6, one or more structures 612 can belocated between the source of saline water 110 (e.g., a sea) and theaquifer 104, and/or between the source of saline water 110 and thereservoir 602, such that water from the aquifer 104 and/or the reservoir602 cannot flow back to the sea passively (e.g., substantially orentirely under the influence of gravity or diffusion). For instance, insome implementations, the water in the aquifer 104 and/or reservoir 602is instead removed through artificial mechanisms (e.g., one or morepumps). In some implementations, the one or more structures 612 caninclude one or more naturally occurring features (e.g., rock formations,deposits, etc. that impede or prevent the flow of water through them)and/or one or more artificially constructed features (e.g., walls,barriers, etc. that impede or prevent the flow of water through them).In some implementations, the one or more structures 612 can at leastpartially enclose the aquifer and/or the reservoir 602.

In some implementations, the water processing system 100 can be used toreduce the water level of the sea. In some implementations, the waterprocessing system 100 can be used to reduce a rate of increase of thewater level of the sea.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, the water processing system 100 includesa single desalination facility 102, a single reservoir 602, a singleturbine generator 108, and a single aquifer 104 (among othercomponents). However, this need not be the case. For example, in someimplementations, the water processing system 100 can include multipledesalination facilities, multiple reservoirs, multiple turbinegenerators, and/or multiple aquifers. Further, each of these componentscan be operated concurrently to generate electrical power selectivelyand/or to mitigate the effects of sea level rise (e.g., by working inunison to extract saline water from the sea, desalinate the extractedsaline water, and deposit the desalinated water into one or moreaquifers). For example, referring to FIG. 7, a water processing system100 can include multiple sub-systems 100 a-100 n, each having one ormore of the components shown and described with respect to FIG. 6. Eachof the sub-systems 100 a-100 n can generate electrical power selectivelyand/or to mitigate the effects of sea level rise (e.g., using one ormore of the techniques described herein).

In some implementations, at least some of the sub-systems 100 a-100 ncan be disposed in locations remote from one or more of the othersub-systems 100 a-100 n. For example, at least some of the sub-systems100 a-100 n can be distributed along the periphery of a sea (e.g.,distributed along a coast line spanning tens, hundreds, or thousands ofmiles). In some implementations, the system 100 can include one, two,three, four, or more sub-systems.

FIG. 8 shows an example arrangement of the water processing system 100shown in FIG. 6. In this example, the reservoir 602 is located on ornear the earth's surface 202, and the aquifer 104 is located beneath theearth's surface 202 at a subterranean elevation 204. As the reservoir602 is at a higher elevation than the aquifer 104, desalinated waterfrom the reservoir 602 can flow to the aquifer 104 substantially underthe influence of gravity. For example, once desalinated water has beendirected to the conduit 106, the water can flow down the conduit 106 andthrough the turbine generator 108 under the influence of gravity andwithout the aid of pumps. This can be useful, for example, as it reducesthe amount of power required to transfer desalinated water from thereservoir 602 to the aquifer 104. Further, as water flows through theturbine generator 108 without the aid of pumps, the turbine generator108 can produce electrical power more efficiently.

In some implementations, the desalination facility 102 can be located atthe same elevation as the reservoir 602 (e.g., on or near the earth'ssurface 202). In some implementations, the desalination facility 102 canbe located at a different elevation from the reservoir 602 (e.g.,beneath the earth's surface 202 or above the earth's surface 202).

In a similar manner described with respect to FIG. 2, in someimplementations, the turbine generator 108 can be disposed on or nearthe bottom end 206 of the conduit 106. This can be useful, for example,as it enables the desalinated water to acquire a relatively large amountof kinetic energy (e.g., due to its descent down the conduit 106), whichmay increase the amount of electrical power that can be generated by theturbine generator 108.

Further, water can be extracted from the aquifer 104 by pumping waterfrom the aquifer 104 to a higher elevation (e.g., from the subterraneanelevation 204 to the earth's surface 202). As described herein, this canbe performed by the turbine generator 108 (e.g., a pump-turbinegenerator) and/or separate pumps located along the conduit 106 and/orone or more other conduits extending from the aquifer 104 to the earth'ssurface 202.

In a manner similar to that described with respect to FIG. 2, the sourceof saline water 110 is located on the earth's surface 202 (e.g., a bodyof water exposed along the earth's surface, such as an ocean or bay),and water is extracted from the source of saline water 110 by anunderground conduit 112. In some implementations, however, the source ofsaline water 110 can be an underground body of water (e.g., anunderground reservoir of saline water beneath the earth's surface).Further, in some implementations, part or the entirety of the conduit112 can be above the earth's surface 202 (e.g., a pipe or tube extendingalong the earth's surface).

Similarly, in this example, the reservoir 602 is located on the earth'ssurface 202, and water is directed from the desalination facility 102 byan underground conduit 608. In some implementations, however, thereservoir 602 can be an underground structure (e.g., an undergroundreservoir beneath the earth's surface). Further, in someimplementations, part of or the entirety of the conduit 608 can be abovethe earth's surface 202 (e.g., a pipe or tube extending along theearth's surface). Further, in some implementations, the reservoir 602can be an above-ground structure (e.g., a reservoir above the earth'ssurface).

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 5, each of the power storagefacility 114, and power distribution facility 116, and the secondarypower source 118 is located on the earth's surface 202. However, inpractice, one or more of these components can be located at differentlocations (e.g., beneath the earth's surface 202).

In some implementations, one or more of the sub-systems 100 a-100 n canhave a configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 8. In practice, theelevation of the earth's surface 202 and the elevation of thesubterranean elevation 204 may vary, depending on the location.Accordingly, the elevation of each of the components shown in FIG. 8 canalso vary.

In practice, other configurations for the water processing system 100also are possible, depending on the implementation.

Example Processes

FIG. 9A shows an example process 900 for selectively replenishingaquifers and generating electrical power based on an electrical demandon an electrical grid. The process 900 can be performed, for example,using the water processing system 100 shown in FIGS. 6-8.

According to the process 900, first electrical power is generated usingone or more solar panels (step 902). As an example, referring to FIGS. 6and 8, the secondary power source 118 can include one or more solarpanels to generate the first electrical power.

Saline water is desalinated using a desalination facility powered, atleast in part, by the first electrical power (step 904). As an example,referring to FIGS. 6 and 8, the desalination facility 102 receivessaline water from the source of saline water 110, and desalinates thesaline water using the solar power generated by one or more solar panelsof the secondary power source 118. In some implementations, thedesalination facility can be powered predominantly by the firstelectrical power.

The desalinated water is stored in a reservoir at a first elevation(step 906). As an example, referring to FIGS. 6 and 8, desalinated watercan be directed from the desalination facility 102 to the reservoir 602through a conduit 608.

A usage of an electrical grid is monitored (step 908). In someimplementations, monitoring the usage of the electrical grid can includedetermining a demand for electrical power on the electrical grid over aperiod of time (e.g., a measurement interval), and determining a supplyof electrical power on the electrical grid over the period of time.

A determination is made, based on the usage of the electrical grid, thatone or more criteria are satisfied at a first time (step 910). The oneor more criteria can be, for example, one or more trigger criteriaindicating that power is to be generated using the desalinated water inthe reservoir.

In some implementations, determining that the one or more criteria aresatisfied at the first time can include determining that the demand forelectrical power on the electrical grid exceeds the supply of electricalpower on the electrical grid at the first time.

In some implementations, determining that the one or more criteria aresatisfied at the first time can include determining that a differencebetween the demand for electrical power on the electrical grid and thesupply of electrical power on the electrical grid is less than athreshold level at the first time.

In some implementations, determining that the one or more criteria aresatisfied at the first time can include estimating, based on historicaldata regarding the usage of the electrical grid that a peak demand onthe electrical grid occurs at the first time.

In some implementations, determining that the one or more criteria aresatisfied at the first time can include determining that that the demandfor electrical power on the electrical grid did not exceed the supply ofelectrical power on the electrical grid during a time interval ending atthe first time (e.g., an expiration interval of time), and determiningthat the time interval exceeds a threshold length of time.

In some implementations, determining that the one or more criteria aresatisfied at the first time can include determining that that a supplyof electrical power from one or more solar power generators (e.g., solarpanels) has decreased below a threshold level at the first time. In someimplementations, the threshold level can be determined empirically.

Responsive to determining that the one or more criteria are satisfied atthe first time, several actions are performed. These actions can includedirecting the desalinated water from the reservoir to a turbinegenerator at a second elevation (step 912), where the second elevationis lower than the first elevation. As an example, referring to FIGS. 6and 8, desalinated water from the reservoir 602 can be directed to theturbine generator 108 through a conduit 106.

The actions also can include generating second electrical power usingthe turbine generator (step 914). As an example, referring to FIGS. 6and 8, the turbine generator 108 can generate electrical power byconverting potential energy and/or kinetic energy of the desalinatedwater into electrical power.

The actions also can include directing the desalinated water from theturbine generator into an aquifer at a third elevation (step 916), wherethe third elevation is lower than the second elevation. As an example,referring to FIGS. 6 and 8, desalinated water can be directed from theturbine generator 108 into the aquifer 104 through the conduit 106 so asto at least partially replenish the aquifer.

The actions also can include providing at least a portion of the secondelectrical power to the electrical grid (step 8918). As an example,referring to FIGS. 6 and 8, at least some of the electrical powergenerated by the turbine generator 108 can be provided to the electricalgrid 604 through the power distribution facility 116.

In some implementations, directing the desalinated water from thereservoir, to the turbine generator, and into the aquifer can includecausing the desalinated water to flow from the reservoir, to the turbinegenerator, and into the aquifer predominantly under an influence ofgravity. As an example, referring to FIGS. 6 and 8, desalinated watercan be directed from the reservoir, to the turbine generator 108, intothe aquifer 104 by opening the valve 606. The desalinated water can flowthrough the opened valve 606, through the conduit 106, and into theaquifer 104 predominantly under an influence of gravity.

In some implementations, the desalination facility can be located at thefirst elevation (e.g., at the same elevation as the reservoir). In someimplementations, the first elevation can be a surface of the earth.

In some implementations, the process 900 further can include determiningthat the aquifer is at least partially depleted. The desalinated watercan be directed from the reservoir to the turbine generator, after adetermination is made that the aquifer is at least partially depleted.

FIG. 9B shows an example process 920 for mitigating a water level riseof the sea. The process 920 can be performed, for example, using thewater processing system 100 shown in FIGS. 6-8.

According to the process 920, first electrical power is generated usingone or more solar panels (step 902). As an example, referring to FIGS. 6and 8, the secondary power source 118 can include one or more solarpanels to generate the first electrical power.

A water level rise of a sea is mitigated using a water processing system(step 904). The water processing system is powered, at least in part, bythe first electrical power. In some implementations, mitigating thewater level rise of the sea can include reducing the water level of thesea. In some implementations, mitigating the water level rise of the seacan include reducing a rate of increase of the water level of the sea.

Mitigating the water level rise of the sea includes extracting, by thewater processing system, saline water from the sea. For example,referring to FIGS. 6 and 8, saline water can be extracted from thesource of saline water 110.

Further, the saline water is desalinated using one or more desalinationfacilities of the water processing system. For example, referring toFIGS. 6 and 8, the saline water can be desalinated using thedesalination facility 102.

Further, the desalinated water is stored by the water processing systemin one or more reservoirs of the water processing system. Each of theone or more reservoirs is hydraulically isolated from the sea. Forexample, referring to FIGS. 6 and 8, the desalinated water can be storedin one or more of the reservoirs 602. Further, one or more structures612 can be located between the source of saline water 110 and thereservoir 602, such that water from the reservoir 602 cannot flow backto the source of saline water 110 passively (e.g., substantially orentirely under the influence of gravity or diffusion). In someimplementations, the one or more structures 612 can include one or morenaturally occurring features and/or one or more artificially constructedfeatures. In some implementations, the one or more structures 612 can atleast partially enclose the reservoirs.

Further, the water processing system monitors a usage of an electricalgrid. In some implementations, monitoring the usage of the electricalgrid can include determining a demand for electrical power on theelectrical grid over a period of time (e.g., a measurement interval),and determining a supply of electrical power on the electrical grid overthe period of time.

Further, the water processing system determines, based on the usage ofthe electrical grid, that one or more criteria are satisfied at a firsttime. The one or more criteria can be, for example, one or more triggercriteria indicating that power is to be generated using the desalinatedwater in the reservoir.

In some implementations, determining that the one or more criteria aresatisfied at the first time can include determining that the demand forelectrical power on the electrical grid exceeds the supply of electricalpower on the electrical grid at the first time.

In some implementations, determining that the one or more criteria aresatisfied at the first time can include determining that a differencebetween the demand for electrical power on the electrical grid and thesupply of electrical power on the electrical grid is less than athreshold level at the first time.

In some implementations, determining that the one or more criteria aresatisfied at the first time can include estimating, based on historicaldata regarding the usage of the electrical grid that a peak demand onthe electrical grid occurs at the first time.

In some implementations, determining that the one or more criteria aresatisfied at the first time can include determining that that the demandfor electrical power on the electrical grid did not exceed the supply ofelectrical power on the electrical grid during a time interval ending atthe first time (e.g., an expiration interval of time), and determiningthat the time interval exceeds a threshold length of time.

In some implementations, determining that the one or more criteria aresatisfied at the first time can include determining that that a supplyof electrical power from one or more solar power generators (e.g., solarpanels) has decreased below a threshold level at the first time. In someimplementations, the threshold level can be determined empirically.

Responsive to determining that the one or more criteria are satisfied atthe first time, several actions are performed. These actions can includedirecting the desalinated water from the reservoir to a turbinegenerator at a second elevation, where the second elevation is lowerthan the first elevation. As an example, referring to FIGS. 6 and 8,desalinated water from the reservoir 602 can be directed to the turbinegenerator 108 through a conduit 106.

The actions also can include generating second electrical power usingthe turbine generator. As an example, referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, theturbine generator 108 can generate electrical power by convertingpotential energy and/or kinetic energy of the desalinated water intoelectrical power.

The actions also can include directing the desalinated water from theturbine generator into an aquifer at a third elevation, where the thirdelevation is lower than the second elevation. As an example, referringto FIGS. 6 and 8, desalinated water can be directed from the turbinegenerator 108 into the aquifer 104 through the conduit 106 so as to atleast partially replenish the aquifer.

Further, the one or more aquifers are hydraulically isolated from thesea. For example, referring to FIGS. 6 and 8, one or more structures 612can be located between the source of saline water 110 and the aquifer104, such that water from the aquifer 104 cannot flow back to the sourceof saline water 110 passively (e.g., substantially or entirely under theinfluence of gravity or diffusion). In some implementations, the one ormore structures 612 can include one or more naturally occurring featuresand/or one or more artificially constructed features. In someimplementations, the one or more structures 612 can at least partiallyenclose the aquifer.

The actions also can include providing at least a portion of the secondelectrical power to the electrical grid. As an example, referring toFIGS. 6 and 8, at least some of the electrical power generated by theturbine generator 108 can be provided to the electrical grid 604 throughthe power distribution facility 116.

In some implementations, the water processing system can include aplurality of desalination facilities, a plurality of reservoirs, and aplurality of turbine generators. Further, at least one of thedesalination facilities can be remote from at least another one of thedesalination facilities. Further, the water level rise of the sea can bemitigated using the plurality of desalination facilities, the pluralityof reservoirs, and the plurality of turbine generators. An exampleconfiguration of the water processing system is shown, for instance, inFIG. 7.

In some implementations, directing the desalinated water from the one ormore reservoirs, to the one or more turbine generators, and into the oneor more aquifers can include causing the desalinated water to flow fromthe one or more reservoirs, to the one or more turbine generators, andinto the one or more aquifers without an aid of a pump.

In some implementations, the one or more desalination facilities can bepredominantly powered by the first electrical power. Further, the one ormore desalination facilities can be located above the one or moreturbine generators. Further, at least one of the one or moredesalination facilities or the one or more reservoirs can be located ona surface of the earth.

In some implementations, the process 920 can also include determiningthat the one or more aquifers are at least partially depleted. Thedesalinated water can be directed from the one or more reservoirs to theone or more turbine generators, after determining that the one or moreaquifers are at least partially depleted.

Example Computer System

Some implementations of the subject matter and operations described inthis disclosure can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, orin computer software, firmware, or hardware, including the structuresdisclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents, or incombinations of one or more of them. For example, in someimplementations, the control module 610 can be implemented using digitalelectronic circuitry, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware, orin combinations of one or more of them. In another example, theprocesses 800 and 820 can be implemented, at least in part, usingdigital electronic circuitry, or in computer software, firmware, orhardware, or in combinations of one or more of them.

Some implementations described in this specification can be implementedas one or more groups or modules of digital electronic circuitry,computer software, firmware, or hardware, or in combinations of one ormore of them. Although different modules can be used, each module neednot be distinct, and multiple modules can be implemented on the samedigital electronic circuitry, computer software, firmware, or hardware,or combination thereof.

Some implementations described in this specification can be implementedas one or more computer programs, i.e., one or more modules of computerprogram instructions, encoded on computer storage medium for executionby, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus. Acomputer storage medium can be, or can be included in, acomputer-readable storage device, a computer-readable storage substrate,a random or serial access memory array or device, or a combination ofone or more of them. Moreover, while a computer storage medium is not apropagated signal, a computer storage medium can be a source ordestination of computer program instructions encoded in an artificiallygenerated propagated signal. The computer storage medium can also be, orbe included in, one or more separate physical components or media (e.g.,multiple CDs, disks, or other storage devices).

The term “data processing apparatus” encompasses all kinds of apparatus,devices, and machines for processing data, including by way of example aprogrammable processor, a computer, a system on a chip, or multipleones, or combinations, of the foregoing. The apparatus can includespecial purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gatearray) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit). Theapparatus can also include, in addition to hardware, code that createsan execution environment for the computer program in question, e.g.,code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a databasemanagement system, an operating system, a cross-platform runtimeenvironment, a virtual machine, or a combination of one or more of them.The apparatus and execution environment can realize various differentcomputing model infrastructures, such as web services, distributedcomputing and grid computing infrastructures.

A computer program (also known as a program, software, softwareapplication, script, or code) can be written in any form of programminglanguage, including compiled or interpreted languages, declarative orprocedural languages. A computer program may, but need not, correspondto a file in a file system. A program can be stored in a portion of afile that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts storedin a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to theprogram in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files thatstore one or more modules, sub programs, or portions of code). Acomputer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or onmultiple computers that are located at one site or distributed acrossmultiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

Some of the processes and logic flows described in this specificationcan be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one ormore computer programs to perform actions by operating on input data andgenerating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performedby, and apparatus can also be implemented as, special purpose logiccircuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC(application specific integrated circuit).

Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, byway of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, andprocessors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor willreceive instructions and data from a read only memory or a random accessmemory or both. A computer includes a processor for performing actionsin accordance with instructions and one or more memory devices forstoring instructions and data. A computer may also include, or beoperatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both,one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic,magneto optical disks, or optical disks. However, a computer need nothave such devices. Devices suitable for storing computer programinstructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, mediaand memory devices, including by way of example semiconductor memorydevices (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory devices, and others),magnetic disks (e.g., internal hard disks, removable disks, and others),magneto optical disks, and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor andthe memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purposelogic circuitry.

To provide for interaction with a user, operations can be implemented ona computer having a display device (e.g., a monitor, or another type ofdisplay device) for displaying information to the user and a keyboardand a pointing device (e.g., a mouse, a trackball, a tablet, a touchsensitive screen, or another type of pointing device) by which the usercan provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used toprovide for interaction with a user as well; for example, feedbackprovided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, e.g., visualfeedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from theuser can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactileinput. In addition, a computer can interact with a user by sendingdocuments to and receiving documents from a device that is used by theuser; for example, by sending web pages to a web browser on a user'sclient device in response to requests received from the web browser.

A computer system may include a single computing device, or multiplecomputers that operate in proximity or generally remote from each otherand typically interact through a communication network. Examples ofcommunication networks include a local area network (“LAN”) and a widearea network (“WAN”), an inter-network (e.g., the Internet), a networkcomprising a satellite link, and peer-to-peer networks (e.g., ad hocpeer-to-peer networks). A relationship of client and server may arise byvirtue of computer programs running on the respective computers andhaving a client-server relationship to each other.

FIG. 10 shows an example computer system 1000 that includes a processor1010, a memory 1020, a storage device 1030 and an input/output device1040. Each of the components 1010, 1020, 1030 and 1040 can beinterconnected, for example, by a system bus 1050. The processor 1010 iscapable of processing instructions for execution within the system 1000.In some implementations, the processor 1010 is a single-threadedprocessor, a multi-threaded processor, or another type of processor. Theprocessor 1010 is capable of processing instructions stored in thememory 1020 or on the storage device 1030. The memory 1020 and thestorage device 1030 can store information within the system 1000.

The input/output device 1040 provides input/output operations for thesystem 1000. In some implementations, the input/output device 1040 caninclude one or more of a network interface device, e.g., an Ethernetcard, a serial communication device, e.g., an RS-232 port, and/or awireless interface device, e.g., an 802.11 card, a 3G wireless modem, a4G wireless modem, a 5G wireless modem, etc. In some implementations,the input/output device can include driver devices configured to receiveinput data and send output data to other input/output devices, e.g.,keyboard, printer and display devices 1060. In some implementations,mobile computing devices, mobile communication devices, and otherdevices can be used.

While this specification contains many details, these should not beconstrued as limitations on the scope of what may be claimed, but ratheras descriptions of features specific to particular examples. Certainfeatures that are described in this specification in the context ofseparate implementations can also be combined. Conversely, variousfeatures that are described in the context of a single implementationcan also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in anysuitable sub-combination.

A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, variousmodifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scopeof the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: generating first electricalpower using one or more solar panels; and mitigating, at least in part,a water level rise of a sea using a water processing system, wherein thewater processing system is powered, at least in part, by the firstelectrical power, wherein mitigating the water level rise of the seacomprises: extracting, by the water processing system, saline water fromthe sea, desalinating the saline water using one or more desalinationfacilities of the water processing system, storing, by the waterprocessing system, the desalinated water in one or more reservoirs ofthe water processing system, wherein each of the one or more reservoirsis hydraulically isolated from the sea, monitoring, by the waterprocessing system, a usage of an electrical grid, determining, by thewater processing system based on the usage of the electrical grid, thatone or more criteria are satisfied at a first time, and responsive todetermining that the one or more criteria are satisfied at the firsttime: directing, by the water processing system, the desalinated waterfrom the one or more reservoirs to one or more turbine generators of thewater processing system, wherein the one or more turbine generators arelocated at a lower elevation than the one or more reservoirs,generating, by the water processing system, second electrical powerusing the one or more turbine generators based, at least in part, on thedesalinated water flowing through the one or more turbine generators,directing, by the water processing system, the desalinated water fromthe one or more turbine generators into one or more aquifers, whereinthe one or more aquifers are located at a lower elevation than the oneor more turbine generators, and wherein the one or more aquifers arehydraulically isolated from the sea; and providing, by the waterprocessing system, at least a portion of the second electrical power tothe electrical grid.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the waterprocessing system comprises a plurality of desalination facilities, aplurality of reservoirs, and a plurality of turbine generators, whereinat least one of the desalination facilities is remote from at leastanother one of the desalination facilities, and wherein the water levelrise of the sea is mitigated using the plurality of desalinationfacilities, the plurality of reservoirs, and the plurality of turbinegenerators.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein mitigating the water levelrise of the sea comprises: reducing the water level of the sea.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein mitigating the water level rise of the seacomprises: reducing a rate of increase of the water level of the sea. 5.The method of claim 1, wherein monitoring the usage of the electricalgrid comprises: determining a demand for electrical power on theelectrical grid over a period of time; and determining a supply ofelectrical power on the electrical grid over the period of time, andwherein determining that the one or more criteria are satisfied at thefirst time comprises determining that the demand for electrical power onthe electrical grid exceeds the supply of electrical power on theelectrical grid at the first time.
 6. The method of claim 1, whereinmonitoring the usage of the electrical grid comprises: determining ademand for electrical power on the electrical grid over a period oftime; and determining a supply of electrical power on the electricalgrid over the period of time, and wherein determining that the one ormore criteria are satisfied at the first time comprises determining thata difference between the demand for electrical power on the electricalgrid and the supply of electrical power on the electrical grid is lessthan a threshold level at the first time.
 7. The method of claim 1,wherein determining that the one or more criteria are satisfied at thefirst time comprises: estimating, based on historical data regarding theusage of the electrical grid, that a peak demand on the electrical gridoccurs at the first time.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein monitoringthe usage of the electrical grid comprises: determining a demand forelectrical power on the electrical grid over a period of time; anddetermining a supply of electrical power on the electrical grid over theperiod of time, and wherein determining that the one or more criteriaare satisfied at the first time comprises: determining that that thedemand for electrical power on the electrical grid did not exceed thesupply of electrical power on the electrical grid during a time intervalending at the first time, and determining that the time interval exceedsa threshold length of time.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein monitoringthe usage of the electrical grid comprises determining a supply ofelectrical power on the electrical grid over the period of time from oneor more solar power generators, and wherein determining that the one ormore criteria are satisfied at the first time comprises determining thatthat the supply of electrical power from the one or more solar powergenerators has decreased below a threshold level at the first time. 10.The method of claim 1, wherein directing the desalinated water from theone or more reservoirs, to the one or more turbine generators, and intothe one or more aquifers comprises causing the desalinated water to flowfrom the one or more reservoirs, to the one or more turbine generators,and into the one or more aquifers without an aid of a pump.
 11. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the one or more desalination facilities arepredominantly powered by the first electrical power.
 12. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more desalination facilities are locatedabove the one or more turbine generators.
 13. The method of claim 1,wherein at least one of the one or more desalination facilities or theone or more reservoirs are located on a surface of the earth.
 14. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising determining that the one or moreaquifers are at least partially depleted, and wherein the desalinatedwater is directed from the one or more reservoirs to the one or moreturbine generators, after determining that the one or more aquifers areat least partially depleted.
 15. A system comprising: one or more solarpanels configured to generate first electrical power; a water processingsystem powered, at least in part, using the first electrical power,wherein the water processing system comprises: one or more desalinationfacilities; one or more reservoirs, wherein each of the one or morereservoirs is hydraulically isolated from a sea; one or more turbinegenerators, wherein the one or more turbine generators are located at alower elevation than the one or more reservoirs; and one or more controlmodules, wherein each of the one or more control modules comprises oneor respective more processors, wherein the one or more control modulesare operable to mitigate, at least in part, a water level rise of thesea using the water processing system, wherein mitigating the waterlevel rise of the sea comprises: causing saline water to be extractedfrom the sea by the one or more desalination facilities; causing thesaline water to be desalinated using the one or more desalinationfacilities; causing the desalinated water to be directed to the one ormore reservoirs; monitoring a usage of an electrical grid; determining,based on the usage of the electrical grid, that one or more criteria aresatisfied at a first time; and responsive to determining that the one ormore criteria are satisfied at the first time: causing the desalinatedwater to flow from the one or more reservoirs to the one or more turbinegenerators, causing second electrical power to be generated using theone or more turbine generators based, at least in part, on thedesalinated water flowing through the one or more turbine generators,causing the desalinated water to flow from the one or more turbinegenerators into one or more aquifers, wherein the one or more aquifersare located at a lower elevation than the one or more turbinegenerators, and causing at least a portion of the second electricalpower to be provided to the electrical grid.
 16. The system of claim 15,wherein the water processing system comprises a plurality ofdesalination facilities, a plurality of reservoirs, and a plurality ofturbine generators, wherein at least one of the desalination facilitiesis remote from at least another one of the desalination facilities, andwherein the one or more control modules are configured to mitigate thewater level rise of the sea using the plurality of desalinationfacilities, the plurality of reservoirs, and the plurality of turbinegenerators.
 17. The system of claim 15, wherein mitigating the waterlevel rise of the sea comprises: reducing the water level of the sea.18. The system of claim 15, wherein mitigating the water level rise ofthe sea comprises: reducing a rate of increase of the water level of thesea.
 19. The system of claim 15, wherein the one or more control modulesare operable to cause the desalinated water to flow from the one or morereservoirs, to the one or more turbine generators, and into the one ormore aquifers by causing the desalinated water to flow from the one ormore reservoirs, to the one or more turbine generators, and into the oneor more aquifers without an aid of a pump, and wherein the one or morecontrol modules are operable to: determine that the one or more aquifersare at least partially depleted, and cause the desalinated water to flowfrom the one or more reservoirs to the one or more turbine generators,after determining that the one or more aquifers are at least partiallydepleted.
 20. The system of claim 15, wherein the one or moredesalination facilities are predominantly powered by the firstelectrical power.